Keith Watson joins Hibs as Dundee United target Paul Dixon

Watson has previously had spells on loan at Forfar Athetic and East Fife

Dundee United's Keith Watson has joined Hibernian on loan with the Tangerines keen to bring another full-back, Paul Dixon, back to Tannadice.

Right-back Watson, 25, has moved to Easter Road on a deal until the summer.

Huddersfield Town are understood to be prepared to allow left-back Dixon, 28, to leave.

Dixon, who has been capped three times for Scotland, ended a four-year spell with United when he joined Huddersfield in 2012.

Dixon won three Scotland caps after leaving United to join Huddersfield

United last week signed former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan on a deal to the summer of 2016, subject to international clearance.

With Watson out of contract in the summer, his move to Championship side Hibs will likely signal an end to his Tannadice career.

He spent his youth career with the Tayside club and had loan spells at Forfar Athletic and East Fife before becoming a first-team regular at United.

Watson told the Hibs website: "I'm really pleased to sign for Hibernian on loan. It's a great opportunity for me and I'm excited about the future.

"I know a few of the Hibs players - Scott Allan, Scott Robertson and Farid El Alagui - from my time at United and they've all spoken very highly of the manager and the set-up here.

"I've been really impressed with the progress that has been made so far this season and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

"After experiencing a few setbacks with injuries over the years, I now want to kick on, play regularly and help the team to achieve promotion."

Hibs right-back Callum Booth has, meanwhile, moved to Premiership club Partick Thistle on loan.